Ice Climbing in the Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies boast some of the best ice and mixed climbing in the world. Easy to access canyons and massive multi-pitch frozen waterfalls provide almost unlimited challenges for beginners to elite climbers alike. Many of Canada's top ice climbers call Canmore their home, and many of them guide for Yamnuska.

Ice Climbing Season

Ice climbing is typically available from late November through until April. Optimum season is December to mid-March.

Ice Climbing

Ice climbing in the Canadian Rockies is world class. Yamnuska Mountain Adventures is the premier Canadian Rockies ice climbing guide company and ice climbing school. For over 35 years in the Canadian Rockies we have hosted thousands of ice climbers from Canada and all over the world. Rockies Ice is our home! Ice routes and crags in Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis, Yoho, Lake Louise, the Ghost and Jasper are our backyard, and we love it!

We provide you with the highest quality ice climbing experience. Our guides are out ice climbing every day and we have up to date ice route and avalanche conditions. We have the most guides out in the field and our experience is unmatched. If we climb in or pass through avalanche terrain, we will give you a transceiver and teach you how to use it - our safety systems are industry leading. The Yam Ice Exchange is a network of information sharing for our gudies that promotes route and condition discussions for all of our ice climbing guides.

Our Ice Climbing Team includes most of the best ice climbers, guides and instructors anywhere! Enthusiastic and extremely talented, they hold climbing certification from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and from other International Federation of Mountain Guide Association (IFMGA) countries. Your safety and enjoyment are paramount to them. In addition to being expert ice climbers they are trained to meet our high standards of customer service.

Semester Programs

Ice Climbing Grades

Ice climbing grades are unique to themselves. Most beginner or novice start on Grades 2 and 3. Many ice climbers can progress quickly and intermediate ice climbers are usually quite comfortable on Grade 4. Generally Grade 5 and up is recommended for more advanced ice climbers.